The 7 Most Dangerous Excitotoxins

If you’ve ever felt compelled to take another bite, despite feeling full, the problem may not be a lack of self control. In fact, the issue may not even be with you at all as it’s very likely that an excitotoxin is the culprit. These non-essential amino acids stimulate or “excite” the umami or savory taste buds making food seem more flavorful than it really is. These compounds are abundant in most processed foods and restaurant meals, and many people are unknowingly consuming these compounds in large amounts on a daily basis.

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Despite public outcry, processed foods remain loaded with excitotoxins, all of which have been linked to brain cell death, infertility, problems with sexual development, violent behaviors, and hormonal disorders. Here’s a list of the 7 most dangerous excitotoxins you need to avoid.

1. MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

This salt form of glutamate, or glutamic acid, has been known to trigger headaches for decades. Glutamate easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, stimulating cell receptors that triggers cell death. [1] While the body naturally produces glutamate when needed to trigger cell termination, flooding the body with dietary glutamate can seriously disrupt normal cellular function, especially in the [amazon asin=B00H4HKNA4&template=*lrc ad (right)]brain. Avoid foods with MSG, but don’t think food is MSG-free just because you don’t see it in the ingredients list. [2] MSG also appears under the names:

  • Natural flavor(s)
  • Flavoring
  • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
  • Autolyzed protein
  • Plant Protein
  • Textured Protein
  • Yeast extract
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  • Carrageenan
  • Anything with glutamate

2. Aspartate

Aspartate, or aspartic acid, acts very similarly to glutamate. [3] This non-essential amino acid triggers NMDA receptors in cells, another of the cellular receptors used to initiate cell death. Most humans receive aspartate through consuming aspartame, an artificial sweetener often hidden in many processed foods. It has been linked with serious neurological effects such as headaches, sleep disorders, and seizures. [4] [amazon asin=B00H3R4716&template=*lrc ad (right)]

3. Domoic Acid

Another non-essential amino acid, domoic acid occurs naturally in shellfish. Excessive overconsumption has shown to lead to the development of epilepsy, especially in the elderly. [5] If you’re a seafood eater, pick wild-caught varieties of fish like salmon, trout, and tuna. This way you are receiving your omega-3 fatty acids without the excitotoxins and pollutants common in shellfish and farm-raised seafood.

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